Big New Jersey OT Dan Foose close to deciding between UCF, Louisville and Illinois

Chris HaysOrlando Sentinel

Paramus (N.J.) Catholic High offensive tackle Dan Foose is closing in on his college choice and he said the decision will be made, "hopefully soon."

Reached via instant message Friday night, Foose said his final three schools are UCF, Louisville and Illinois, but also said they are in no particular order right now. He has visited all three schools, the last of which was Louisville on Jan. 8.

His UCF visit was in December and he was left with a favorable impression. What he liked about UCF was the "coaching staff Coach Key (offensive line coach Brent), Coach P (defensive line coach Jim Panagos) and Coach O'Leary is awesome ... and the kids were just like me. We got along good."

Foose could make his choice this week and is not likely to wait until National Signing Day, although it is only 18 days away.

"I'm just looking to make the best decision for me," Foose wrote, "... just trying to find the best place for me."

UCF currently has commitments from five offensive linemen, which could play a part in Foose's decision. Illinois had four OL pledges, while Louisville has just two.